Tiwi Bombers women to play first ever series of games with esteemed Territory coach Colleen Gwynne on board

A TIWI Bombers women’s side will run out for the first time ever when it takes on the Division 2 Nightcliff Tigers at TIO Stadium on Friday, with Colleen Gwynne named as the side’s coach.

Colleen Gwynne while coaching the Arnhem Crows in the 2020 BRFL.

A TIWI Bombers women’s side will run out for the first time ever when it takes on the Division 2 Nightcliff Tigers at TIO Stadium on Friday, with Colleen Gwynne named as the side’s coach.

Gwynne is a prolific figure in Territory footy and brings plenty of experience as Waratah’s eight-time premiership mentor and coaching Arnhem Crows in the BRFL, as well as working as an assistant coaching the AFLW’s Adelaide Crows.

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“I’ve been lucky to have coached a number of current Tiwi women at other clubs and it’s a part of the coaching I’ve always loved,” Gwynne said.

“There’s a real x-factor about Tiwi players and I can’t wait to be part of it. Some of these girls have played extensively in the NTFL before and some will be putting on boots for the first time.

“The first game will be a great experience and the series of games will give the players exposure to the level of competition they can expect if Tiwi is successful in their bid to join the competition.”

Over 50 women have put themselves forward for selection in the side, with those players coming together from Pirlangimpi, Milikapiti, Wurrumiiyanga, Pika and Darwin.

And the exhibition series will play a big part in giving the side an experience at NTFL level and testing to see if the Tiwi side can get the behind-the-scenes elements right.

“This exhibition series is also about the girls and support staff getting the behind the scenes elements right,” Gwynne said.

“We have been working on how to set up trainings in these different locations and working on how to get all girls to come together to participate in the games.”

Community Football Manager NT Leigh Elder felt the announcement of a Tiwi women’s side would not only bolster the club’s community but bolster Territory footy as a whole.

“AFLNT are excited to give the women’s Tiwi team the opportunity to play against other Territory teams in these exhibition games,” Elder said.

“The rewards will be not only significant for the competition but for the Tiwi community in general.

“We have seen the talent that Tiwi players can bring to the game, so we are really excited to see what the future holds.”

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Essendon Bombers player Courtney Ugle will be assisting Gwynne with coaching and support duties.